Rangers working 24/7 to sign players - Rohl

5 days ago 2

Scottish Premiership: Celtic v Rangers

Venue: Celtic Park, Glasgow Date: Saturday, 3 January Time: 12:30 GMT

Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Scotland & Sounds, live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app, highlights on BBC Scotland & iPlayer from 19:15

Rangers are working round the clock to recruit players now that the January window is open, says head coach Danny Rohl.

With Rohl having been appointed in October, this winter period is the German's first opportunity to make changes to his squad.

"We work at the moment 24/7 for players," he said,

"It's about decision making, it's about negotiations, it's about timing. We have some players in our mind but you have to be a little bit patient.

"You always hope as a manager, as a head coach to get very early the players in.

"January window you have to be patient, you have to be demanding, I think this is also important and you have to take the opportunities and there are opportunities in the market."

Rohl hinted left-back is an area of interest, with Jayden Meghoma the only left-sided full-back at his disposal and three right-sided options in Max Aarons, Dujon Sterling and captain James Tavernier.

Former Hearts left-back James Penrice, 27, is one name already linked with Rangers, the Scot having joined AEK Athens in July.

"On the right side, I have good options," explained Rohl before Saturday's Scottish Premiership meeting with Celtic.

"Jayden at the moment is very solid, especially the defence side, I like how he improved.

"If something happened in the past and I took sometimes Max on the left side, it could be an area that we are looking for to improve."

Rohl's only taste of the Old Firm derby so far has been November's 3-1 Premier Sports Cup defeat by interim manager Martin O'Neill's Celtic at Hampden, which went to extra time.

Rangers trail second-placed Celtic by three points and derby debutant manager Wilfried Nancy's side are three points off leaders Hearts.

"We are ready," said Rohl. "We have a big confidence at the moment, we have a big belief.

"We need a good start in the game. It will be an emotional game from both teams. I can nearly go with my best XI. This is a good feeling for me.

"Football's about the small details, it's about the momentum during the game and we have to try to put our momentum very soon on our side in this game.

"The idea is how we can break opponents but it's also about how aggressive we are in the duels. I want to see a brave team. You have to defend really well around your own box."

The German says winning the derby for the first time "would be amazing".

"For this we need a big, big performance," he added.

"I can say at first, it's just three points but this game is never about just three points. There is an emotional side.

"If we are right there, we are front foot and we can win some good balls and we hurt them, then they will be more nervous but if they create some good moments in the beginning then I think the crowd will be straight behind them."

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